Module Code: |
H7IR |
Long Title
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Introduction to Industrial Relations
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Title
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Introduction to Industrial Relations
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Module Level: |
LEVEL 7 |
EQF Level: |
6 |
EHEA Level: |
First Cycle |
Module Coordinator: |
COLIN WHITSTON |
Module Author: |
COLIN WHITSTON |
Departments: |
School of Business
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Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff |
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Learning Outcomes |
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: |
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Learning Outcome Description |
LO1 |
Demonstrate a critical understanding of the key concepts in the field of industrial relations |
LO2 |
Describe the development, purpose, and functions of trade unions, and assess the main factors affecting union joining and changing membership levels |
LO3 |
Define collective bargaining and describe its development in Ireland as well as to describe the institutional framework of dispute resolution and analyse its impact on the conduct of industrial relations |
LO4 |
LO 4. Analyse the main causes and types of industrial conflict, their connection with ‘worker voice’ and the managerial control of labour |
Dependencies |
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
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No recommendations listed |
Co-requisite Modules
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No Co-requisite modules listed |
Module Content & Assessment
Indicative Content |
The field of study: why industrial relations?
Main definitions. Connection with working life. What management wants. What labour wants
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Trade unions and the employment relationship
The employment contract and conflict. Methods of regulation. What is a trade union, and what is union purpose? Trade union methods. Changes in trade union membership and reasons for union joining
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Perspectives on industrial relations
Industrial relations and the ‘worker problem’
Frames of reference and perspectives on industrial relations
The unitary and pluralist perspectives
Radical and Marxist perspectives
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Introduction to collective bargaining
What is collective bargaining? Employers and their associations. The evolution of collective bargaining in Ireland. Differences between the public and the private sectors. Trade union recognition.
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The institutional framework of industrial relations
Employers and employers associations
The Industrial Relations Act of 1990 – the regulation and resolution of industrial conflict
Challenges to the dispute resolution framework – some contemporary issues
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Conflict and industrial relations
Conflict and cooperation in the workplace. Changing patterns of industrial conflict. Procedures, representation and discipline at work.
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Assessment Breakdown | % |
Coursework | 60.00% |
End of Module Assessment | 40.00% |
AssessmentsFull Time
Coursework |
Assessment Type: |
Formative Assessment |
% of total: |
Non-Marked |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
2 |
Non-Marked: |
Yes |
Assessment Description: There will be one formative assessment in which student groups will research the membership of a trade union, identify a current industrial relations issue, and present a brief report in class |
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Assessment Type: |
Essays (0120) |
% of total: |
30 |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
1,2,3,4 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: Students will write a brief essay on competing perspectives in industrial relations and their implications for ‘worker voice’ |
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Assessment Type: |
Written Report |
% of total: |
15 |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
1,2,3,4 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: Student groups will prepare a report on a disciplinary or grievance case study |
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Assessment Type: |
Case Study |
% of total: |
15 |
Assessment Date: |
n/a |
Outcome addressed: |
1,2,3,4 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: Student groups will prepare a case for presentation to a Rights Commissioner (or new equivalent) |
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End of Module Assessment |
Assessment Type: |
Terminal Exam |
% of total: |
40 |
Assessment Date: |
End-of-Semester |
Outcome addressed: |
1,2,3,4 |
Non-Marked: |
No |
Assessment Description: End-of-Semester Final Examination
A two hour exam in two parts with a mixture of multiple choice questions and essay style answers |
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Reassessment Requirement |
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.
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NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment
Module Workload
Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours |
Workload: Full Time |
Workload Type |
Workload Description |
Hours |
Frequency |
Average Weekly Learner Workload |
Lecture |
No Description |
2 |
Every Week |
2.00 |
Independent Learning |
No Description |
7.5 |
Every Week |
7.50 |
Tutorial |
No Description |
1 |
Every Week |
1.00 |
Total Weekly Contact Hours |
3.00 |
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources |
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WALLACE, J., P. GUNNIGLE, G. MCMAHON and M. O'SULLIVAN. (2013), Industrial Relations in Ireland, 4th. Gill & MacMillan, Dublin.
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WILLIAMS, S.. (2014), Introducing Employment Relations : A Critical Approach, OUP, Oxford.
| Supplementary Book Resources |
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BURCHILL, F. (2008), Labour Relations, 3rd. Palgrave Macmilla, Basingstoke.
| This module does not have any article/paper resources |
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Other Resources |
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[Journal], Industrial Relations Journal, London, Wiley,
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[Journal], British Journal of Industrial Relations,
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[Journal], Industrial Relations News – as
appropriate.
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[Journal], Web sites relating to prime actors –
e.g. LRC, ICTU, IBEC.
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